Formed in 2012, BLOCK4 is a London based recorder quartet featuring Emily Bannister, Lucy Carr, Katie Cowling and Ria Smith. Studying at the Royal College of Music under Ashley Solomon, Julien Feltrin and Maria Martinez, BLOCK4 present a dynamic approach to contemporary consort music as well as offering a captivating interpretation of music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Their innovative style has resulted in them being the 2014 winners of the Royal Overseas League Ensemble competition, the first recorder consort to receive this accolade in the competition’s 62 year history. They have also received a high commendation at the RCM’s Senior Woodwind Prize in 2013. BLOCK4’s performances have included a variety of concerts at prestigious venues such as Regents Hall and the Queen Elizabeth Hall as well as masterclasses with renowned experts such as Walter van Hauwe and Pamela Thorby.